Planning your future

These plans are for you and your future! Your input is really important. Talking to your caseworker to make sure you are a part of what goes into this plan is the first step. Sometimes you may not always know what your future may look like and it can then be hard to put this into writing. The aim of the plan is to map out what support can look like for you.

Things to consider are:

• Where are you planning on living? Independent living, a flatmate, moving to be near work or study, or will you stay on with your carer? Consider using the Living Arrangement Agreement discussion guide PDF, 567.75 KB and template DOCX, 34.97 KB to help agree on how living together will work.
• Would you like to study after school? TAFE? University? Why Not You Project Apprenticeship? What kind of courses are you interested in?
• Are you working, or would you like a job? Have you got a resume?
• What will contact with your family look like? Do you have siblings who will still be in care that you would like contact with?
• If you are in statutory OOHC, make sure you add applying  for TILA (Transition to Independence Allowance) to your plan,  This is a one-off payment of $1500 to you which can be used to buy items such as a fridge or couch, pay for counselling, education and training courses, medical expenses, a drivers licence or any other items or services agreed between the young person and their case worker.
• Have you considered whether you would like to access the file with your information?
• Are you enrolled to vote?
• Aim to have all your identification ready; birth certificate, proof of age, licence .
• Would you like some driving lessons to help you get your licence ?
• Have you got a bank account, or tax file number set up?
• Will you require Youth Allowance?
• Are you eligible for support through the Victims Support Scheme? If so, has your caseworker started the application process?
• Would you like ongoing counselling, or another program to support you?
• Do you need support with any ongoing health or medical challenges?
• How will you keep connected to your culture? NSW Aboriginal Land Council Link-Up NSW

Some of these considerations may be already achieved before you transition from care. This plan is in place for you until the age of 25 years. The plan needs to be signed off by your NGO and DCJ because often the plan requires things to be paid for.